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Review

2011
BMW
ActiveHybrid 7 Review

If the price doesn’t scare you, you’ll enjoy this luxurious hybrid.

Reviewed by Automotive on
6/26/2011

Overview

The 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 marks BMW’s first offering of an environmentally friendly vehicle that operates on electric power. This roomy four-door, which serves as the hybrid version of the company’s luxury line, may fall out of many people’s price range, but it certainly makes up for the steep cost in fuel efficiency. This vehicle even tops its 740i six-cylinder with an EPA rating of 17/26 mpg city/highway. It has a yearly Energy Impact Score of 17.1 barrels of oil and a Carbon Footprint of 9.3 tons of CO2.

What's New

Exterior

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a large luxury sedan complete with the style and sophistication people expect from BMW. On the exterior, drivers find a variety of standard features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a power-closing trunk, soft-close doors, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, an adaptive adjustable suspension, power-folding and auto-dimming heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry/ignition.

Interior

Sliding into the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 14-position leather bucket seats offers the elegant feel for which BMW is known. Add to that a spacious interior with a leather-trimmed dashboard and console and a comfort-enhancing tilt steering wheel. A climate control feature allows for heating or cooling without even starting the engine, a voice-activated navigation system and an adjustable sunroof make this vehicle top-of-the-line.

2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7's up-to-date technology includes an iDrive display, a CD/DVD surround sound stereo system with 16 speakers and an auxiliary jack, Bluetooth capability for hands-free cell phone use, an HD radio, digital music storage, and a back-up camera.

The voice-activated navigation system includes traffic updates in real time. Other special features include sensors for safe front and rear parking, power heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and remote keyless entry.

Other 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 available options include a Cold Weather Package that provides a heated steering wheel, heated back seats, and a ski bag. Drivers can also obtain rear sunshades, a parking camera with surround view, Sirius radio service, an iPod and/or USB jack, a DVD with six-change ability, a back-seat entertainment feature, and NightVision, which offers pedestrian detection via infrared display.

Performance & Handling

This vehicle marks the first of its kind in the U.S. to feature an automatic start and stop function, turning off the engine when the vehicle stops to save on fuel and then restarting when pressing the accelerator. Because of this, it uses no starter or alternator. ActiveHybrid 7’s driving control system offers a choice of one of four settings to maintain stability control, assistance with power steering, shift and throttle response, and firmness of shock absorbers.

As part of BMW’s ActiveHybrid 7 Series, this sedan maintains the brand’s exemplary handling. Despite weighing 200 pounds more than usual due to its hybrid parts, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7's chassis balance and ability to corner effectively remain intact. As far as performance goes, the Hybrid 7 surpasses such models as the Toyota Prius, which gives up power in exchange for fuel efficiency.

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features a 20-hp electric motor and a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo, eight-speed transmission that provides a total of 455 hp with 516 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle’s electrical power resides in a 35-cell lithium-ion battery located on the floor or the trunk, but there’s still plenty of trunk space for other items.

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 does not disappoint on speed either. The electric motor allows for speeds of up to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. To charge the car’s battery, the driver regenerates the brake. While braking or coasting, the motor feeds power into the battery.

Safety

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 includes such standard safety features as anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, stability control, front head active restraints, front seat side airbags, and front knee airbags. An optional Driver Assistance Package offers safety features, such as side- and rear-view cameras, a warning system for lane departures, automatic high beams, a warning system for blind spots, and infrared night vision with pedestrian detection.